Having lived
in this region of France for 12 years, John and Shelagh are familiar with
what’s available to keep you occupied during your visit. If you decide to
visit our campsite we would be delighted to discuss with you the sights and
sounds of interest and provide you with information leaflets and brochures.

If you are an artist then you may be interested to know that people say that
the light in this region is perfect.

If you are a nature lover then our small campsite offers some
interesting flora and fauna to observe.

You may see terrapins in our pond,
butterflies and dragonflies around the pond and, in the small wood,

There are
numerous river and estuary cruises/boat trips from which to choose.
Reservations may be required.

Bordeaux

You can see
Bordeaux city and/or the Gironde Estuary by boat – both day and night
cruises trips are on offer. Some trips include aperitifs and/or lunch or
evening meal.

Saintes and
Cognac

Take in the
natural beauty of the River Charente on the Gabare,‘La Dame Jeanne’.Several cruises along the River Charente are available during the day and
evening. You can choose to include lunch, aperitifs and/or dinner if you so
desire. Commentated cruises are available in both French and English.

Family
and group tariffs are available.

Gironde
Estuary

Several
cruises, circuits and crossings are available to see this huge estuary from
all directions. Regular motor cruises leave from Port Vitrezay, Blaye and
Port des Callonges, Bourg and St. Andre-de-Cubzac. Sailing trips are also
organised leaving from Port des Callonges.Again, some cruises include lunch, aperitifs and/or dinner. Family
and group rates are available.

Royan

Situated at
the mouth of the Gironde Estuary, boat trips from Royan include both estuary
and sea cruises. Meals may be included on some of these trips. A large
network of nautical activities are on offer at Royan. These include sailing,
surfing/bodyboards, kayaking, jet-skis, and cruises.

Throughout
the summer many concerts, theatre shows and street events/spectacles take
place throughout the region. Many are free to attend; the rest are offered
at very reasonable rates. All offer very good value and are worth seeing.

Every local
tourist office will help you to discover what is on during your time in the area.

The
Charente-Maritime department produces ‘le Vacancier’ [The Holidaymaker]
every year. This magazine/brochure lists all the events [including brocantes,
markets and night markets] taking place throughout the department. You can
pick one up for free at any Tourist Information Office within the
Charente-Maritime department as well as in local shops, supermarkets, cafes
and restaurants.

The Gironde
also produces a tourist magazine called Carnet de Voyages. This lists many
useful contacts to help you enjoy your stay in the area and also highlights
many of the main attractions in the department.

Sites-en-Scene, for the middle two weeks in August, is a spectacular which
involves about twenty areas within the Charente-Maritime. The festival includes free open-air evening/night shows for all to see. Marvellous!

Montendre
and its surroundings boast a rich network of walking, cycling and bridle
paths. There are more than fifteen marked circuits from which to choose.

Ask
for ‘topoguides’ or trail maps at the local Tourist Information Office.

Green Routes
form a network of routes/tracks for non-motorised enjoyment. They are
reserved for walkers, cycles and horse-riders – all motorised vehicles are
banned. The routes are safe and well-adapted for families and the older
person.

The Gironde
department produces two guides – one for cyclists and one for walkers.

Cycle routes
include:

Port
Vitrezay to Port Maubert - a 16km ride by the Gironde Estuary

Chevanceaux to Clerac in Haute-Saintonge, - 15 km

Rochefort circuit –‘le chemin de la Charente’ – 12 km

Ronce-les-Bains to St. Palais sur Mer – 29 km

However,
throughout the Charente Maritime and Gironde departments there are
interesting walking routes and cycle paths in the form of a circle.
Unfortunately, at the moment, they are not available on the internet
although there are plans to do so in the near future. In the meantime they
are available in local Tourist Offices and Shelagh and John have a few in
house. These circuits are clearly indicated and range from the very easy to
the very difficult.

There are two riding stables, several
opportunities for novice and experienced riders, and many bridle paths
available.

Tel: 05 46 70 79 63

Ecuries du
Val de Seugne

Domaine de Chailleret,17500 Jonzac

They have two centres; one on the road to Barbezieux
just outside Jonzac, and the other, during the summer, at Base de Loisirs in
Jonzac. Instructors take care to match the rider [novice or experienced] to
the horse.

Fishing is a
major activity and occupation for those living on or near the Gironde estuary.

Visitors may
fish in rivers, lakes or the sea providing they obtain the correct licence –
usually from the local tourist information office. Just a sample of what’s
on offer includes:

Les Lacs de
Moulin Blanc at St Christoly de Blaye

A licence is
required but this can be purchased from the local tourist office.

There is also a ‘Guide de la Peche en Gironde’ available at the Office de
Tourisme.

Port de Vitrezay

A licence
must be purchased from the site office but then you can fish in any of the
numerous lakes or from a fisherman’s carrelet in the Gironde Estuary. Cost
is 10 euro per adult and 7 euro per child [under 18 years]. Tel: 05 46
49 89 89

Montendre
Lake

A
licence must be purchased at the local fishing tackle shop in Montendre but
it will be valid for both Montendre and Vallet lakes.

You can also fish in
local rivers under licence.

Carp, roach, trout, black bass, tench and pike fishing are all available in
these lakes and rivers.

Tel: 05 46 49 46
45

Royan – sea
fishing

Whether you
decide to opt to go for the Cote de Beaute from Meschers, the Clair Estuaire
L’Origan from Mortagne-sur-Gironde or El Puro II from Royan you will be able to
experience sea fishing in the Gironde Estaury/Atlantic Ocean.

There are
several nature reserves of various sizes in this region. Many offer guided
tours and information sessions so that visitors can learn about the local
fauna, flora and environment. Some of
these, with contact details, are listed below:

Terres
d’Oiseaux

At
Port des Callonges on the Gironde Estuary this ‘Land of Birds’ sits on one
of the most important migration routes in France. This staging post enables
one to observe numerous birds, including migratory species, in their natural
habitat. The reserve comprises 116 hectares and provides food and shelter
for waders, passerines, and nesting birds alike. The 6 observation points
and one panoramic observation tower have been specially designed to enable
visitors to see, discover and experience nature unfolding before their eyes;
and all this for free. Guided visits are also available.

This reserve
lies alongside the Gironde estuary but also has its own traditional little
fishing and pleasure port. The Reserve also lies along one of the principal
bird migration routes in France and offers several lakes and cycle/walking
paths for human visitors to enjoy. Numerous educational and practical
courses are also on offer via the site office; these aim to help visitors to
understand the ecological role of the estuary’s marshland.

This
nature reserve offers a large range of activities and information for nature
lovers. Comprising
nearly 15 hectares it is accessible to the public but is especially
dedicated to the way of life and diversity of the forest.

This nature
space comprises several eco-systems of high ecological value. The two ponds,
peat-bog, and wetlands, plus oak and chestnut woods provide a wonderful
environment for visitors to enjoy nature in true peace. There are numerous
fauna and flora to see including dragonflies, butterflies and terrapins. It
is open all year round and entrance is free of charge.

This Nature
Reserve was created in 1973 and aims to preserve a biodiversity on its 10
hectare site. It has 3 km of forest pathways revealing many different fauna
and flora and environments; for example mixed forests, ponds, orchids, red
squirrels, terrapins, butterflies and dragonflies. Guided tours are
available on request/reservation. Open all year round.

has an indoor pool with a semi-circular roof that is opened up in the
summer.

Montendre:

has an open-air pool in a forested area near the Base de Loisirs. It has two
25m pools, a slide, a fountain, water jets and a paddling pool for little
ones. Open Wednesdays and weekends during June and 7 days a week in July and
August.

Mirambeau:

has an outdoor pool, with a diving board, opposite Super-U.

There are
also several lakes where one may swim. These include:

Les Lacs de
Moulin-Blanc in the St Christoly de Blaye/St Savin area.

Sited in a pine
forest with beach area and picnic tables. Paths through the forest are good
for cycling and walking.

Lac du Beau Vallon at Montguyon

This area also has a forest walk, a sandy beach area,
a grassy area and a play area for small children. Pedallos are available for
hire. A good restaurant is available on site with a covered terrace
overlooking the lake.

Base de Loisirs – Jonzac.

There is a
small lake and beach area; a children’s play area,paths for walking, and a
good restaurant.

Base de Loisirs – Montendre.

Set in a lovely location surrounded by pine forests
this lake has a small sandy beach area, a children’s play area, and a snack
building. Canoes and pedallos are also available for hire. Nearby is a
traditional French Restaurant.

John and Shelagh are happy to help you in your search for ‘that perfect restaurant’.
We can discuss your likes and dislikes and make some suggestions as to which
restaurant might suit you. There are numerous restaurants within easy reach
of the campsite. Others, a little further away can also be recommended.
Below is a list of just a few of them:

Le St-Thomas

Bar and BrasserieFrench and English spoken.le Bourg, 17150 St
Thomas de Conac

Tel: 05 46 86 04 45

Au Four et au Moulin

Moulin de Reguignon, 33860
Marcillac

Gigi Pizzeria

restaurant and take-away.

103 Av. De la Republique17150 Mirambeau Tel: 0899 235
978

Hotel Le Cheval Gris

99
Av. de la Republique 17150 Mirambeau

Tel: 05 46 70 72 83

Chateau de Mirambeau

5 star restaurantfor that very special occasion

1 Av. Des Comtes Duchatel, 17150 Mirambeau Tel: 05 46 04 91 20

Bill et Vero’s Brasserie

13 le Pontet sud est
33390 Eyrans Gironde

Tel: 05 57 64 55 80

Le Table du Maroc

Quai des Roches 17100 Saintes

Tel: 05 46 74 08 04

Le Quincaillerie

30 rue
Hotel de Ville, 17130 Montendre

Tel: 05 46 70 42 41

Suzacabana

119 bd de Suzac, 17132 Meschers sur Gironde Tel: 05 46 06 26 81

this restaurant is right on a quiet beach with large terrace and coffee
area.

As this
region of France is particularly famous for its wine production it would be
impossible to detail all the opportunities for wine tasting and education.
However, there are some pleasant local chateaux and caves that we can
recommend as well as the usual centres such as St Emilion, Bordeaux and the
Medoc.

Les
Vignerons de Tutiac:

our local
cave that just happens to be the largest cooperative of wine producers
in Europe – 300 local producers.

Bordeaux
lies approximately 61km from Chez Tayzac and is easily reached by road. It
is the second most important city in France being situated on the banks of
the Gironde Estuary where the rivers Garonne and Dordogne converge. Steeped
in history and once ruled by the English monarchy Bordeaux is now most
famous for its wine production and aerospace industry.

If visiting
by car one would be well-advised to make use of the Park and Ride scheme [Lormont
being the site to use when arriving from Chez Tayzac]. This scheme is
convenient and cheap costing only 3 euros per car including return tram
tickets into Bordeaux for every car passenger.

Once in
Bordeaux the Tourist Office offers plenty of useful information and advice
plus several guided bilingual tours. There is much to see and do in Bordeaux
and one can spend many a happy day soaking up the sights.

Old
Bordeaux: With its rich history, beautiful 18th century
architecture and monuments old Bordeaux is easy to enjoy on foot, by bike
[which can be hired by the hour or by the day], in a tourist train, by
open-top bus, by tram and by boat.The river banks are especially attractive with their wonderful
buildings, restaurants and pedestrianised areas.

Food:
Wonderful meals and beverages can be enjoyed in the numerous restaurants, brasseries and cafes. One can watch the world go by whilst simply sipping a
cold glass of wine or eating a gourmet meal. There are restaurants
throughout the city but especially delightful, on a Sunday in particular, is
the ability to sit beside the river at one of the numerous riverside bars
and restaurants.

At Night:
Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO most of the main
sights and attractions are floodlit at night. One can take a river
cruise at night and see the city from the river. There are also
theatres, cinemas [some showing English language films in English]
and casinos for you to enjoy.

Events: Bordeaux hosts many events throughout the
summer; for example wine fairs, music events, open-air concerts. The
Tourist Office will be able to advise you regarding such events.

Contacts: The city has three Tourist Information Offices –
one in the centre of the city, one by the train station, and one by the
Bourse on the river. All are open every day.

Jonzac is an
ideal town to visit with its history and thermal spas and is only 24km from
Chez Tayzac. Les Thermes [hot
springs] are surprising troglodyte spas that are claimed to ease the aches
and strains of everyday life and to relieve many chronic illnesses such are
arthritis and lung conditions.

Jonzac
castle was first mentioned in 1059 but even though today’s castle stands on
the same site it probably looks very

different from the original one. Set on
a rocky outcrop offering a natural defensive position, the castle dominates
the

River Seugne Valley whilst itself being protected by the same rocky
outcrop. It was also free from the risk of flooding.

Apart from
its thermal spas Jonzac has its shops and twice-weekly markets, an aquatic
centre, a casino, sports and leisure facilities and cultural events
throughout the year, but especially during the summer. There are concerts,
theatre, exhibitions and open-air evening events such as Sites-en-Scene.
Many are free but those that aren’t are very reasonably priced and good
value for money. For example, Jonzac is one of the hosts for Eurorchestries
concerts. Young orchestral players from around the world form one orchestra
and play in numerous towns/villages throughout the Charente-Maritime during
July/August. Many concerts are free whilst others involve a small fee.

The Tourist office near the castle will provide information about all
these events plus guided tours that hope to provide the visitor with
knowledge of local crafts, heritage and products.

Wedged in a
loop of the River Charente, Saintes, 67.5 km, is a city steeped in history and art. It
was one of the towns on the pilgrims’ route to St. Jacques de Compostella
and the first Roman capital of Aquitaine. It remains the economic heart of
the Charente-Maritime department. There are Roman remains and classical and
contemporary architecture. Not only is Saintes excellent as a venue for
shopping and eating, it is also a venue for culture with cinemas, theatres,
and many other places worthy of a visit. A European centre of musical
research and practice is located in the Abbaye aux Dames. The Roman
amphitheatre is an impressive and atmospheric place to visit.

The citadel
of Blaye, 21km, and the fortifications of Vauban have been classed UNESCO World Heritage sites since 2008.
The
fortifications, known as Vauban’s Bolt, take the form of three strongholds; namely the Citadel of Blaye, Fort Pate, and Fort Medoc. Built on both sides
of the Gironde Estuary they create a crossfire position that prevented the
enemies of Bordeaux from reaching the city by ship.

The fortifications were
the brainchild of the 17th century architect Sebastien Prestre -
Marquis de Vauban. Designed and
built between 1685 and 1689 as a walled city the Citadel was built around a
parade ground, several army barracks, and a monastery dedicated to the
Minims Order.

Today, inside the Citadel one can still see the 15th
century Eguillette Tower, the 12th century castle Rudel, and the 12th century Liverneuf Gate. Many of the other buildings are now
used as artisan workshops and outlets or restaurants/cafes.

Providing
information in both French and English are numerous plaques set at prominent
points around the Citadel. The Citadel is open every day throughout the year
and entry is free of charge. Guided tours can be booked at the Blaye Tourist
Office which is within the Citadel’s grounds.

Outside the
Citadel, Blaye is the local Market town and has numerous shops and
restaurants. It has twice-weekly markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

In
summer ‘Le Petit Train’ is a tourist train that runs through the town and
the Citadel with commentaries provided - ideal for those with limited
mobility.

There is a public garden near the port for the cross-estuary car
ferry which runs every 90 minutes every day of the year [less frequently in
winter]. It takes about 30 minutes to cross the estuary but this ferry
provides quick access to the Medoc and its Chateaux and Vineyards.

Boat
cruises along the estuary to the islands, lighthouses, and to Bordeaux are
also available.

Mirambeau,
13km, is
at the crossroads of the Charente-Maritime and Gironde departments and is
ideal for a quick shop or visit to the market held on Saturday morning.
There are several ancient buildings in Mirambeau including the Romanesque
church, wash houses and chateau. The Chateau is now a five-star hotel and
restaurant set high on the hill above the town – ideal if there is a very
special occasion to celebrate. Mirambeau also boasts an open-air swimming
pool with diving board and is located opposite Super-U on the main route
into the town. If you fancy a game of pool during your visit then visit the
Commerce Bar on the main street. Otherwise visit the Mirambeau Bar where
British owners Richard and Jane will greet you.

You might
want to visit the town, 12.5km, and its castle, the open-air theatre, or the museum
of Arts and Popular Traditions at the Castle. You could also find the Cross
of Montendre because the view from the top of the hill is fantastic.

Montendre Castle was at first a
Roman Camp known as Andron’s Mount. This later became known as Montendre.
Dating from the 12th and 13th centuries today’s castle
has both a round and a square tower. The grounds are lovely and the museum
of art is located in the square tower.

There is a
great view from the castle ramparts and guided tours are available through
the local Tourist Office.

The covered
market hall, Les Halles, was built in the mid-19th century and
was nearly lost in the mid-20th century to local development.
However, the local people fought to keep and renovate them and now they are
used for exhibitions and other local events.

The Church
of St. Pierre is another mid-19th century building – its most
remarkable features are the steps leading up to it and its square tower.

Lac Baron-Desqueyroux
and Etang de Vallet are a 10 hectare complex set in pine woods on the edge
of the town. Here one can safely walk, cycle, swim, fish, sail, canoe or simply observe the wildlife and people. Nearby one can also
ramble, cycle, and horse-ride through the many bridle paths in the pine
forests. A golf course is very close to this site as are two 25m outdoor
swimming pools. Aviation [in the form of a discovery flight over the area
and the Gironde estuary] is available within a few kilometres at Montendre-Marcillac aerodrome.

Guided tours
to a Saffron Farm, a Cognac producer and an Apiarist [bee-keeper] can all be
arranged through the Tourist Office.

Like Jonzac
slightly further south, Pons, 38km, is situated high on a rock that dominates the
River Seugneand is
founded around the 12th century Donjon [square tower].At 30 metres high the Donjon is just one of the donjons known as the
Romans of the West; but it is the biggest and best preserved of them all. It
was first built in 1179 by Richard the Lionheart but was rebuilt in 1187 by
Geoffroy III who was the first in a long dynasty of Knights of Pons.Pons formed a strategic long-term site during
the Hundred Years War, sitting as it does between the Poitou and Aquitaine
Regions of France. After becoming a Protestant stronghold in 1598 Pons
surrendered without any resistance to Richelieu in 1621. Only the Donjon was
saved to survive today casting its long shadow over the town.Pons
also sits on one of the major pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostella
and this importance is highlighted today by the Pilgrims’ Roundabout on the
main route into the town. Pons also has a Base de Loisirs [Leisure Space]
beside the River Seugne with children’s play area, walking areas and a
restaurant.

Things to see in Pons: the Donjon; the Pilgrims’ Roundabout; the
pilgrims’ Hospital of St Jacques; the Mediaeval Medicinal Garden [open April
12th to October 31st]; the Chateau; the Monumental
Stairway; and the tannery.

Situated on
the banks of the Charente river in the Charente department, 65km, the majority of
the town has been built on the river’s left bank with the smaller right bank
area known as the Saint Jacques district. Like Pons not that far away,
Cognac is situated on one of the major Pilgrimage routes to Santiago de Compostella. Cognac was unknown prior to the 9th century when it
subsequently became fortified. During the Hundred Years War the town changed
sides frequently in direct relation to the vagaries of the fighting and
subsequent treaties that were formed. Frances I granted permission for the
town to trade salt along the river; this guaranteed a strong commercial
success which, in turn, led to the town’s later development as a wine and
cognac producer.

The Old Town
– Vieux Cognac – hosts many unusual buildings which were built during the 15th
and 16th centuries and situated on narrow cobbled streets. Many
of these buildings show statues of a salamander – the symbol of Francis I –
as well as gargoyles and ornate facades. Cognac also hosts an annual jazz
festival with many international artists of world renown appearing on the
billboards.

Talmont,
58.5km, with its 12th century Romanesque church built right on the cliff
edge, is set on a peninsula of the Gironde Estuary and is a historically
listed site. The church forms part of the diocese of the Benedictines of
Saint Jean d’Angely. It is dedicated to Sainte Radegonde, Queen of France
who later founded the monastery of Sainte-Croix de Poitiers. The town itself
was built in 1284 by Edward I of England and lies on a pilgrimage route to
Santiago de Compostella.

The museum, near the church, records and relates
the history of the town, the estuary and its fishermen whose boats lie
sheltered in the little harbour near the church. Today the town’s buildings are not only people’s homes but artisan
shops, cafes and brasseries. A walk through its cobbled streets, full of
hollyhocks and other flowers in summer, are an absolute delight. There is
plenty of parking provided at a very reasonable price: the ticket also acts
as a season ticket so it may be
used as many times as one likes during the season.

Whilst
visiting Talmont why not also visit the Gallo-Roman site of ‘La Fa’, the
romanesque church of Arces-sur-Gironde, and the caves at Meschers. Reach
Talmont by taking the Route Verte along the edge of the Gironde Estuary –
you will be rewarded by the scenery and the beautiful villages on the way.

St Georges
de Didonne, 66km, and Royan, 72km, provide this part of France with the most beautiful
sandy beaches and coastal activities. Both resorts attract people from all
over France, but especially Parisians, who buy holiday homes in the area. If
you want plenty of sun, sea and sand then look no further for your day out.
You will be spoilt for choice ifyou like water sports such as jet-skiing, sailing, surfing, kayaking
and fishing as all are on offer here from the marina; or, you could just
relax and laze on the beach, sit at the quayside cafes/restaurants and watch
the world go by. Alternatively, you might like to walk, cycle or
roller-blade along the kilometres of beach front especially designed for
that purpose.

In July, Royan hosts a magical 3-day event called ‘Concerts on
the Beach’. The event is free unless you want to sit in the large wooden stand erected for the
concerts – so you can either sit on the beach with your
picnic supper and drinks,you
can stroll along the beach front listening to the music and watching it on
one of several large screens, or you can look at the many street-based
artists and stall holders. All the restaurants and bars are open late as are
many of the shops. If you like classical music in a modern way then this is
an event not to be missed.

Royan also has a good shopping district and holds
markets nearly every day.

One can take the ferry across the
Gironde Estuary to the tip of the Medoc – a lovely way to reach the Medoc.

Near to the beaches at Royan are several long sandy beaches and dunes
of the coast near La Palmyre. Here you will find old German Gun emplacements
that have tumbled over due to erosion and are hauntingly tilted on their
sides.

Also in this area is the Zoo at La Palmyre. This is a zoo of European
renown active in the protection of endangered species, participates in 37
European Breeding programs and in the re-introduction of animals into the
wild. Home to more than 1600 animals of 115 species this 18 hectare site is
situated amongst a pine forest where one can spend an enjoyable day close to
many animals.